Thursday, June 23, 2011

Two days down and two to go. I'm loving being able to spend the time with this series because it has a special place in my heart. Today we are concentrating on Violets for Vanessa. Although I love all the books, this one is my favorite. I don't know if it's because I started the books all out of order and read Vanessa's story first, if it's because Violets were my grandmothers favorite flower or because Dianne held a contest for this particular book and this is the one I won. What a great contest that was. We had to guess what Toby Keith song would go along with the book. I took me forever to guess that one. lol. OK, on to the interview.

Val: If you had the chance and could meet one of the hero's from your books who would it be and why?

Dianne: That’s tough because I love them all, but I do have a soft spot for Chad because he makes me laugh – and his personality is modeled after my son.

Val: Hey peeps, guess who is in Violets for Vanessa? Oh yes, the oh so yummy Chad.

Val: Myrtle, the gossiping old cranky woman, is a character that intrigues me. I can't wait until she gets what's coming to her. Is there a reason why karma hasn't kicked her in the butt yet?

Dianne: In Violets for Vanessa, Myrtle learns a difficult lesson. Her manipulating ways bite her in the butt, although maybe not as hard as we’d like! Her self-inflicted misery and loneliness made her a bitter old woman, but as last she learns her lesson. In Sunflowers for Sarita, we will find that Myrtle really has turned over a new leaf. Both God and the town have mercy on her, just as God forgives us when we turn from our sins and trust in Him.

Val: Wow, you were very nice to Myrtle. That's one character I would have had a lot more fun with. lol

Struggling to be free of her abusive father, Vanessa Gallagher cannot resist handsome contractor Chad James. Although she fears being controlled by another man, his kind encouragement comforts her and his kisses leave her wanting more. When Mr. Gallagher meets his doom at the bottom of a cliff, police suspect Vanessa’s mother. Will Chad help absolve her? Who will uncover the truth in an unexpected turn of events? And will Vanessa ever choose love over independence?

Dianne, thanks for taking the time out to hang out with me again. OK, readers, here is your chance to win a copy of Violets for Vanessa. Just follow through GFC and leave a comment or question for Dianne and you're entered. Don't forget to tell your friends! Here is the link to Dianne's site where you can catch up on all the books in the series and get a little inside information on what's to come. www.diannemiley.com

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

In order to gain more participants in the Dianne Miley posts, I am extending the giveaway until June 30. Each comment on each Dianne Miley post will get you another entry to win that posts book. The fourth day, there will be a surprise giveaway. Hint, it's NOT a book. ;) Just keep scrolling down until you see Dianne's pretty little picture and be sure to tell your friends to enter. Good Luck!

CONGRATULATIONS, to Emma who was comment #21. Random.com thought your comment ROCKED! :) I have emailed you with the information you need. To everyone who did not win, not to worry, watch this blog for many giveaways to come. In fact, right now, we will be having four winners from the Dianne Miley giveaways so be sure to comment on each day's blog post. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the entire Dianne Miley blog with end on the last day of the month, June 30th at 11:59 pm, so get those questions in now, this is one series you don't want to miss! Don't forget to tell your friends.

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Welcome to day 2 of our interview with Dianne Miley. So are you loving this series yet? I know right? It's one of my faves too! Yesterday we got to know a bit about Ms. Miley's background and Book 1 in the Crystal Falls series, Lilacs for Laura. Today is on to book 2, Roses for Rachel. But first let's throw a few questions at Ms. Miley.

Val: Every author is different and I know this question is asked of authors all the time but I am dying to know, do you plan your books out or do you just go with whatever comes to mind?

Dianne: I have a basic outline, but once I begin writing, the story takes on a life of its own and I go with it.

Val: It must be nice to be able to live a whole story line in your mind. You are very talented in the character and plot development of the your stories.

Val: I love all of your characters but the one that most intrigued me was Elliot in book 2, Roses for Rachel. Why did you make him so different?

Dianne: After creating Brett, I wanted a completely different hero just to keep the series fresh and interesting.

Val: Readers, wait until you meet Elliot. It will make you look at certain men in a very different light.

Val: Tell us what you were thinking when you wrote Roses for Rachel.

Dianne: Who should the stalker be that the reader would never guess? How can I fool the reader to think this other person is the stalker? What reaction in Elliot will melt Rachel’s heart and dissolve her hesitancy toward him?

Thanks for taking the time out to answer those questions Dianne. Readers, you can find Dianne at www.diannemiley.com

Young widow Rachel Santos raises her daughters alone and tries to get past the pain of losing her cheating husband. Attracted to pretty boys, she goes from one bad relationship to another. When she dumps her cheating boyfriend, someone vandalizes her house. Rachel confides in faithful Elliot Truman, but refuses to trust her heart to another man. Determined to handle her problems alone, she refuses to see him as anything but a friend.

The stalker breaks into her home, and Rachel fears for the safety of her daughters and herself. When her work is sabotaged , she loses her job and cannot pay the rent. Will she be able to support and protect her children? Who can stop this demented stalker? And will Rachel ever be convinced that some men are worth loving?

That's it for today peeps. To enter to win a print copy of Roses for Rachel, just follow through GFC and leave a question for Ms. Miley. Don't forget to go back to day one to enter for a chance to win Lilacs for Laura too. And PLEASE do not forget to leave your email address so that I may contact you if you win. Good luck!

Saturday, June 18, 2011

I have the honor today of interviewing one of my all time favorite authors who happens to have one of the best series out there in Christian fiction. First, let's get to know Dianne Miley and then we'll get to the giveaway. Let the interview begin!

I grabbed this part from Ms. Miley's site which plays a lot into her books as you will be able to tell after reading this series of interviews with her.

"I grew up in northeastern Ohio as the oldest of four children and lived there most of my life. Recently, my husband and I moved to coastal South Carolina. We love the balmy weather.

Growing up, I always loved to write. I began with poetry in second grade. During high school, I wrote for the year book and school paper. I took creative writing classes because I enjoyed making up stories. Now I flex my imagination through inspiring tales of romance and mystery. Best of all, I’ve found a way to share my faith through fictional characters in a fun romance.

At age 16, I began a romance of my own. I met Chip and we’ve been together for over 25 years now. We’re thankful for a happy marriage – complete with faith, conflict, plot, and all kinds of characters!"

Val: I know you and your husband Chip have been together for 25 years. would you mind sharing how you met?

Dianne: We met on a blind date! No kidding – I was 16 and he was 17. During the summer after 10th grade, a friend fixed me up with her boyfriend’s buddy, Chip. Although we went to different schools, we were high school sweethearts. We’ve been together ever since.

Val: Awwwwww, a real life true love story, I love those and you two are one of the reasons I still believe in love!

Val: In your first book in the Charleston series, Lilacs for Laura, what were your thoughts as you were writing this book?

Dianne: When am I going to get this right? Do I really have to make bad things happen to my lovely characters? How fun would it be I kept Jake’s killer a mystery? And finally… I can’t wait to write Rachel’s story because I written this one fifteen times!

Val: I loved Lilacs for Laura because A) I love Nascar and B) that is one hunky hero you have there in Brett.

Val: Before I get into the blurb and giveaway, can you tell us where to find you online?

Dianne: Right now you can find me at www.diannemiley.com. I hope to become more active with social media in the future.

Val: So there you go my faithful followers, just click that linky to get a hint as to what tomorrows interview will be about. :)

Laura James loves working in her family’s flower shop, but has to ward off advances from her brother-in-law. She distrusts men but cannot deny her attraction when she stumbles into Brett Mitchell. Drawn to one another despite their conflicting goals, Laura longs for a secure future in her Ohio hometown, while Brett yearns for adventure and an escape from his abusive father. When he lands a NASCAR job in North Carolina, Laura fears she will never see him again.

Devastated, she withdraws just when she needs help most. Her brother-in-law is murdered and all evidence points to Laura. Brett knows members of her family, as well as the town gossip share motive and opportunity. Will he return to help clear her? Who will reveal the killer in a shocking twist? And will Laura ever find security in love?

Now on to the giveaway. To enter to win a print copy of Lilacs for Laura, please follow this blog, ask Dianne a question or leave a comment on her post and don't forget to leave your email address so I have a way to contact you should you be the lucky winner. Remember this is just Day one of a 4 day interview with the entire series. Good luck and I'd like to thank Dianne for giving my readers a chance to win Lilacs for Laura. I will have the winner on June 22.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

First, let's give it up for Coffee & Romance along with Release Notes for co-hosting this slammin' party! I'm sure you're going to find some super fun books to sizzle up your summer. This giveaway hop will run from 12:00 a.m. on June 17 through 11:59 p.m. on June 21.

OK, first the rules. Just follow me through GFC and leave a comment. It doesn't have to be an elaborate comment or anything, even just hi with your email address is fine. Which brings me to DON'T FORGET TO PUT YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS so I can contact you when you win.

So here are the books I have up for grabs. You get to choose either one if you win ..... Click on the link beneath the picture for more details.